This case discusses about the sustainability practices of US-based women’s fashion company Eileen Fisher Inc. (EF) founded by Eileen Fisher. She started her career as a graphic designer and had to travel to Japan quite frequently. During this period she got attracted towards the simplicity and natural aesthetic of Japanese fashion especially ‘kimono’. The liking towards simple easy to wear and easy to maintain clothes encouraged her start sewing clothes in simple designs. She showcased her designs at a tradeshow and managed to get her first order. After that there was no looking back. Eileen opened her first EF store in 1986. Over the years, with revenues soaring, she opened many more stores and expanded her business.

What was noteworthy about the business was Eileen’s belief that companies can have pivoting role toward a greater global consciousness in how business was conducted. She was passionate about making her company a voice for change in the world, focusing on sustainability, human rights, empowerment of women and girls and wellness for her employees. The case provide details on the company’s focus on growing raw materials organically, using dyes which did not contain any harmful chemicals, using less water and producing less fabric waste and ensured that no fiber was sourced from illegally logged forests or tree plantations. The case provided details on the various initiatives taken by the company as a part of its social consciousness.

Eileen’s unceasing efforts towards sustainability fetched EF Inc. the prestigious its B Corporation (B Corp) Certification from B Lab. Eileen further aimed to achieve 100% sustainability through its ‘Vision 2020’ campaign. It remained to be seen how successful the company would be in achieving the ambitious goal.

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Issues

The case is structured to achieve the following teaching objectives:

	Understand the apparel manufacturing industry and environmental issues associated with it..
	Evaluate the initiatives taken by a fashion company to reduce the environmental footprint.
	Understand sustainable fashion.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

EILEEN FISHER INC. –THE MAKING

UNIQUE PRACTICES

A CONSCIOUS COMPANY

OTHER GREEN INITIATIVES

SAILING THE TIDE

ROAD AHEAD: THE CHALLENGES OF VISION 2020

EXHIBITS

Keywords

Eileen Fisher Inc.,Growth,Sustainability Practices,Social Consciousness,Challenges

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